hardwood · Salix nigra
Black Willow wood properties
Also known as: willow, swamp willow.
| Type | hardwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Salix nigra |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,010,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.42 |
| Density (approx) | 26 lb/ft³ (2.2 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 430 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 8.7% / 3.3% |
| Region | Eastern United States |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Black Willow weighs about 8.7 lb (roughly 26 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 430 lbf is harder than about 8% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: baskets, crates, furniture, carving, utility wood.
Durability: Non-durable to perishable; insects find it an easy target.
Workability: Low density and irregular grain machine poorly, raising fuzz and tearout; dries with many defects; steam-bends adequately; finishes and glues well.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Black Willow:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (cites USDA FPL Wood Handbook). Uses, region, durability and workability summarized from The Wood Database. Black Willow is not listed in the FPL/Hoadley dimensional change coefficient table (Popular Woodworking reproduction), so CT/CR are omitted. Price indicative.
Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.
Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.